(ATR) A Rio de Janeiro judge ruled in favor of the return Patrick Hickey’s passport in a new decision.
Judge Marcello Rubioli ruled today that Hickey has successfully met the conditions for the return of his passport. Rubioli has taken over the case from Judge Juliana Leal de Melo, who has stepped aside on medical leave.
In the decision, Rubioli says Hickey fulfilled the requirements of his $439,000 bail payment. All that is left for Hickey to receive his passport is to sign an agreement saying he will return to Brazil to face trial, or accept "the implementation of charges, possibly in absence."
Judge Melo ruled on Nov. 16 in agreement with Rio State Prosecutor Marcos Kac to allow the return of Hickey’s passport. The ruling stated that Hickey had no connections to Brazil, and he should be encouraged to travel outside of Brazil to seek medical treatment for a heart condition. Kac declined to comment on the decision to Around the Rings.
Since the decision, Hickey secured financing for his bail through the Association of National Olympic Committees. An ANOC statement said that the body loaned Hickey the money for his release on "humanitarian grounds".
Hickey was a senior vice-president of ANOC before his arrest. He stepped away from that role, including his presidency of the Olympic Council of Ireland, his IOC membership, and IOC vice-presidency during his detainment in Brazil.
Funds for Hickey’s release were sent by his legal representation on Dec. 2, but the money required clearance from Brazil’s central bank and authorization from a judge for the decision to be implemented.
Hickey has been in Brazil since before the Rio 2016 Olympics. He was arrested during the Games, and eventually charged with ticket touting, forming a cartel, and illegally marketing the Rio 2016 Olympics. If convicted he could face up to seven years in Brazilian prison.
Kac, speaking with ATRpreviously, says he believes Hickey’s trial will begin in early 2017. The Rio court system will be closed from Dec. 20 to Jan. 6 for the Christmas holiday period. All that remains according to Kac is the setting of hearings and "administrative issues" in setting a trial date.
There is no guarantee that Hickey will be present for the trial. Currently there is no formal extradition agreement between Ireland and Brazil, which would complicate matters if Hickey refuses to return.
Brazilian authorities are prepared for this matter. In addition to the cooperation agreement, Kac said if Hickey is not in Brazil when he is convicted a "red notice" would be filed with Interpol International to enforce the decision.
Hickey said after his arrest he is prepared to "fight each and every" charge levied against him.
Written by Aaron Bauer
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